Fundamentals of Public SpeakingPrinciples of Speech Writing The Speech Writing Process Just like events planning, or any other activities, writing an effective speech follows certain steps or processes. The process for writing is not chronological or linear; rather, it is recursive. That means you have the opportunity to repeat a writing procedure indefinitely, or produce multiple drafts first before you can settle on the right one. The following are the components of the speech writing process. 1. Audience analysis- entails looking into the profile of your target audience. This is done so you can tailor-fit your speech content and delivery to your audience. The profile includes the following information. demography (age range, male-female ratio, educational background and affiliations or degree program taken, nationality, economic status, academic or corporate designations) situation (time, venue, occasion, and size) psychology (values, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, cultural and racial ideologies, and needs) 2. The purpose for writing and delivering the speech can be classified into three—to inform, to entertain, or to persuade. An informative speech provides the audience with a clear understanding of the concept or idea presented by the speaker. An entertainment speech provides the audience with amusement. A persuasive speech provides the audience with well-argued ideas that can influence their own beliefs and decisions. 3. The topic is your focal point of your speech, which can be determined once you have decided on your purpose. If you are free to decide on a topic, choose one that really interests you. There are a variety of strategies used in selecting a topic, such as using your personal experiences, discussing with your family members or friends, free writing, listing, asking questions, or semantic webbing. Narrowing down a topic means making your main idea more specific and focused. The strategies in selecting a topic can also be used when you narrow down a topic. 4. Data gathering is the stage where you collect ideas, information, sources, and references relevant or related to your specific topic. This can be done by visiting the library, browsing the web, observing a certain phenomenon or event related to your topic, or conducting an interview or survey. The data that you will gather will be very useful in making your speech informative, entertaining, or persuasive. 5. Writing patterns, in general, are structures that will help you organize the ideas related to your topic. Examples are biographical, categorical/topical, causal, chronological, comparison/contrast, problem-solution, and spatial. a. Biographical-Presents descriptions of your life or of a person, famous or not b. Categorical/ Topical- Presents related categories supporting the topic c. Causal- Presents cause-effect relationships d. Chronological- Presents the idea in time order e. Comparison/ contrast-Presents comparison/ contrast of two or three points The body of the speech provides explanations. 2. 3. . A good outline helps you see that all the ideas are in line with your main idea or message. 2.2 Now. or any details that can help you deliver your purpose and explain the main idea of your speech. 2. 2. and recommended solutions 6. One major consideration in developing the body of your speech is the focus or central idea.0 There are ways to eliminate wastes and protect the environment.0 We must act now. two-thirds of your speech writing is finished. 4. f. Experts in public speaking state that once your outline is ready. List Format 1.0 Improper waste disposal causes environmental problems. An outline is a hierarchical list that shows the relationship of your ideas. if we do not take immediate action.Presents an identified problem. a. The following are some strategies to highlight your main idea. The following are some strategies. Present real-life or practical examples Q Show statistics Present comparisons Share ideas from the experts or practitioners The introduction is the foundation of your speech.3 Wastes can cause floods. Problem-solution. 4. 1. reusing. Write your outline based on how you want your ideas to develop. 1. Use a real-life experience and connect that experience to your subject. Your first few words should do so.1 Wastes contaminate the soil. Table format b. its causes. examples. 3.0 As of today. Start with a familiar or strong quote and then explain what it means.2 Wastes contaminate the water.2 People should start doing these at home. body. and recycling can help eliminate wastes. The body of your speech should only have one central idea. 4. your primary goal is to get the attention of your audience and present the subject or main idea of your speech. and conclusion.1 This solution should be supported by the local government. Use practical examples and explain their connection to your subject.1 Reducing.2 Let us learn from the lessons in natural calamities we have experienced. Here. I am going to talk about how to eliminate wastes and protect the environment. we might face more perils caused by natural calamities.1 According to Solid Waste Management Office. The elements of an outline include introduction. 3. there is an alarming increase of wastes in our community. . 7. or technical words because they can confuse your audience. 10. Use positive examples. Be sensitive of your audience. A persuasive speech seeks to provide the audience with favorable or acceptable ideas that can influence their own ideas and decisions. Your speech is meant to be heard by your audience. Be very careful with your language. 2. acronyms. . The humorous speeches of comedians and performers are the best examples of this type. coherence. In addition to this. Begin your conclusion with a restatement of your message. Keep your words short and simple. The conclusion restates the main idea of your speech. and interesting way. While the primary goal of the introduction is to get the attention of your audience. Avoid jargon. As a student of public speaking. not read. 6. punctuation. and a lively sense of communication (p. Some strategies include reading your speech aloud. interestingly. recording for your own analysis or for your peers or coaches to give feedback on your delivery. It requires making connections with your audience and presenting yourself formally to the public. Manage your time well. he also says: Good delivery…conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly. lists six power principles for speech editing. encouraging words. An entertainment speech amuses the audience. 2. Andrew Dlugan (2013). Most audiences prefer delivery that combines a certain degree of formality with the best attributes of good conversation— directness. 3.” Some Guidelines in Speech Writing 1. jokes. Use facts or statistics and highlight their importance to your subject. and calls for action. or memorable lines from songs or stories familiar to your audience. The best thing to remember at this stage is: “Constant practice makes perfect. Principles of Speech Delivery Insights on Public Speaking According to Stephen Lucas (2011). unity. animation. coherent. emphasizes the message. 11. Tell a personal story to illustrate your point. Use the personal pronoun “I. an award-winning public speaker. and without distracting the audience. the conclusion aims to leave the audience with a memorable statement. such as grammar. Use active verbs and contractions because they add to the personal and conversational tone of your speech. There are types of speeches according to purpose and delivery from which you can choose the best one or the most appropriate in a given situation. 3. Use metaphors and other figures of speech to effectively convey your point. Editing/Revising your written speech involves correcting errors in mechanics. capitalization. An informative speech provides the audience with a clear understanding of a concept or idea. you should know that public speaking is not simply reading your speech or talking about your topic.” 4. it provides a summary. spontaneity. and nonverbal cues. 244). vocal and facial expressiveness. TYPES OF SPEECH ACCORDING TO PURPOSE 1. a good delivery means that you are capable and able to present your message in a clear. Rehearsing gives you an opportunity to identify what works and what does not work for you and for your target audience. 5. Ask a question or series of questions that can make your audience reflect or ponder. Furthermore. use the personal pronoun “we. The lectures of your teachers are the best examples of this type. Make your speech more personal. author of The Art of Public Speaking. The campaign speeches of the running candidates for government posts are the best examples of this type. and others. The following are some strategies. When you need to emphasize collectiveness with your audience. make sure that the speech falls under the time limit.” but take care not to overuse it. Extemporaneous Description • Speaking with limited preparation • Delivered conversationally • Guided by notes or outline • Most popular type Speaking Situations • When you are a candidate for a post in a student government and you deliver your campaign speech before a voting public • When you are assigned to present a topic/output in class Advantages • Helps you look confident • Engages the audience Disadvantages • May not have adequate time to plan. • End by saying thank you. • State your main point briefly and deliver it at a pace your audience can follow. pause for a moment to plan in your head what to say. Impromptu Description • Speaking without advanced preparation • Unrehearsed speech • Spoken conversationally Speaking Situations • In an event where you are asked to say a few words • First day at work or in class.Types of Speech According to Delivery 1. or during an interview Advantages • Spontaneous or natural speaking • More focused and brief Disadvantages • Tendency to be disorganized • Lacks connection with the audience • Nerve-racking for inexperienced speakers and beginners Tips • Once you are requested to say something. organize. rehearse. 3. Manuscript Description • Speaking with advanced preparation • Planned and rehearsed speech • Reading aloud a written message Speaking Situations • Newscasting with a TelePrompter or an autocue device • Presenting the legal proceedings and verdict in court • Reading the rules and criteria in a contest Advantages • Exact repetition of the written words . and rehearse Tips • Create an outline • Organize your points logically (most important to least important or vice versa) • Use facts and real-life experiences as your examples • Manage your time well • Rehearse. rehearse 2. • Guided speech • Boring and uninteresting presentation Disadvantages • Lacks audience rapport or connection . he/she might have difficulty remembering his/her memorized speech. modulate or slightly move it up. frowning. he/she might take a fast pace. your rate should be at an appropriate speed.” To reduce the use of these fillers. leaning on the podium. Tips • Rehearse the speech over and over again until you sound natural and feel confident.” “um. • When the speaker cannot control his/her stage fright. it is the style that you always use when you express yourself with your family and friends. simply stop and pause. or whenever you make transitions? Then. television. Audience members do not like the speaker to sound unnatural or exaggerated. or movie scenes. or sentences. Pronounce and enunciate words correctly. Remember to adjust your volume to the size of the audience and the venue. Observe your mannerisms and learn how to avoid them when speaking in public. Eye contact should be maintained to keep the attention of your audience and enhance your delivery. oratorical. 4. When addressing a large audience. You will confuse the audience if you mispronounce words. Use a conversational style more often. modulate or slightly move it down. Start your speech by standing straight and balancing your weight. playing with your wristwatch or jewelry. If you have a high pitch level. More Tips for Effective Speech Delivery 1. If you have a low pitch level. . • Observe accomplished news anchors and note how conversational they sound when they deliver the news. Use pauses when you emphasize the most important words. Look your audience members in the eye so they will feel that they are part of your speech. Your performance will definitely be affected if you do not modulate. between different ideas. Examples of fillers are “like. Use precise movements. and others. Hence. 2. Avoid distracting mannerisms like swaying back and forth. • Observe how actors/actresses perform their script in a theater. Vary your rate or speed to keep your audience interested and to avoid a monotone pattern. 6. Avoid fillers or expressions that substitute actual words in your speech because these words are distracting. This is the style that is more natural. modulate your voice in such a way that you speak loudly without sounding like shouting or yelling. This will give a positive first impression. Tips • Rehearse the speech over and over again until you sound natural. Master your voice and find your pitch level (high or low). detect the instances when you use them: Do you generally use fillers after each sentence. 10. Your pauses should not last for three seconds. 3. and it could distract them and affect your credibility. it will result in dead air or a moment of awkward silence. Alternatively. 9.” “uh. 8. 5. licking or biting your lips. or literary piece • When an actor or actress in a scene performs a script from memory Advantages • Exact repetition of the written words from memory • Free to move around the stage Disadvantages • Speakers might end up speaking in a monotone pattern.” “ah. instead of using them the next time you deliver a speech. Otherwise. 7. Memorized Description • Speaking with advanced preparation • Planned and rehearsed speech • Reciting a written message word-for-word from memory Speaking Situations • When you perform in a stage play • When you deliver a declamation. 4. The audience might get bored if you speak very slowly and they might get confused if you speak very fast. scratching parts of your body. phrases.” and “er. make sure that the meaning of your speech reflects in your facial expressions. or copying someone’s work without proper documentation. Breathe in and out to relax before your speech. Observe ethics by coming prepared. follow the most highly suggested tip: smile. Make sure not to overdress. However. do not smile if you are talking about something sad. Instead. 13. Dress properly and appropriately. Wearing the proper attire will make you look more confident and professional. avoiding offensive words and back-biting or talking negative things about other people. . Most importantly.11. as this may distract your audience. 14. have fun. 12. Avoid having a poker face or a highly animated face. being honest with your words. being polite. These facial expressions appear distracting and may even be annoying.